In late July 4, 2025, extreme flooding swept through Texas Hill Country, devastating neighborhoods and claiming multiple lives. One of the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a beloved Christian summer camp in Hunt, Texas, where hundreds of young girls had gathered for what should have been a week of joy, faith, and friendship.
But tragedy struck fast.
In the early morning hours, floodwaters surged over 30 feet, swallowing cabins, vehicles, and entire parts of the campgrounds. Multiple young women and camp counselors were swept away. Families were left waiting, praying, and hoping for any news.
When disasters like this strike, there’s a proven rhythm that trained response teams follow, each phase designed to save lives, bring closure, and restore hope and livelihoods.
Here’s what that process looks like:
🛟 Phase 1: Search and Rescue
This is the immediate life-saving phase. Trained teams rush to extract survivors from rising waters, collapsed structures, and dangerous debris. Every second counts.
🕯️ Phase 2: Search and Recovery
When lives can no longer be saved and loved ones are still missing, the mission shifts to bringing closure. Families deserve answers. This phase involves locating the missing with dignity and care, often in harsh conditions layered with mud and debris.
🛠️ Phase 3: Stabilization & Restoration
Once the immediate danger is past, we begin helping communities rebuild:
• Clearing roads
• Tarping damaged roofs to prevent further loss
• Delivering aid to the elderly and displaced
• Reestablishing access to schools, clinics, and homes
Why This Matters:
Disasters don’t just destroy buildings; they shatter lives. They leave people grieving, displaced, and uncertain about what’s next. And how we respond matters just as much as what we do.
That’s why Aerial Recovery deploys trauma-informed, highly trained teams as Humanitarian Special Operators - veterans and first responders who understand how to navigate both the physical and emotional devastation left behind.
But we don’t do it alone. These missions are only possible because of people like you.
How You Can Prepare:
- Have a plan. Know evacuation routes and keep emergency supplies on-hand.
- Stay informed. Monitor flood risks, especially if you live near rivers or low-lying areas.
- Get trained. Consider taking first aid or disaster readiness courses in your area.
Here’s what to do if floodwaters start entering your home:
✅ Get to Higher Ground Immediately. Don’t wait. Floodwaters rise fast. Head to the highest level of your home—even the roof if necessary. Avoid basements.
⚠️ Never Walk or Drive Through Moving Water. Just 6 inches of water can knock you down. 12 inches can sweep away a car.
📱 Turn Off Utilities If Safe. Shut off electricity, gas, and water—but only if you can do so without standing in water.
🧰 Grab a Go-Bag. Keep essentials packed year-round: ID, medications, water, flashlight, first aid, backup power, and important documents in a waterproof bag.
📞 Call for Help and Stay Visible. If trapped, call 911 and signal for help using bright clothing, flashlights, or flags.
How You Can Help Others:
- Give: Your donations allow us to deploy faster, stay longer, and reach more people.
- Join: Become part of our mission-ready volunteer corps. Get trained with Aerial Recovery
- Share: Help others understand what real disaster relief looks like. Forward this email or share our post on Instagram.
In the middle of destruction, something beautiful has emerged: resilience. Texans have shown us what it means to stand together and now, we stand with them.
